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1st we can assume Android uses the kernel Linux, so android "includes" Linux.

2nd, there are many types (levels) of embedded systems. Some don't need CPU (nor software). Some require a simple microcontroller, and some require true connectivity, true multitasking, lots of RAM, and maybe an MMU. Some of these systems run OS, and some of there are Linux. Lets call those "high level" -- happen to be the ones we interact on a daily basis (like a Smartphone for example).

Said that, the great vast majority of embedded systems are not "high level", and we normally don't even "use" them directly, so they don't run Linux (nor Android).

What is true is that in general, people that need to program in high level, prefer to code in Linux (or even Android) than to code in Windows CE, bare metal, or any other Embedded OS (or RTOS out there).

But still, it will take "long time" to Linux really dominate the embedded market.

Says Upton: "We're about to open source all of the remaining closed source ARM code for the Pi. This will make BCM2835 the first ARM multimedia SoC with a fully-open-source ARM user and kernel implementation."

This is obviously a lie. BCM2835 is not the first. This is just marketing buzz.

TI' OMAP and some other vendors SoC are 'open' for long time ago.

Also, I need to point out that in fact, they are just releasing the ARM code. There are several other parts on the SoC (like for example the video decoder) that they didn't include in this release and may not do so in the future.

You can go to Texas Instruments' OMAP website for example and download all the documentation, and completely open source SDKs, including all the ARM compatibility layer and everything you would need for software development on this SoC.

What Broadcom gives us? Well, I have the datasheet downloaded from somewhere else because I couldn't find a link on their Website and thats it. Where are all the docs?

TI "spin off" the OMAP and make the Sitara and the DaVinci families ("almost" same features as OMAP) that are used by several "non-mobile" applications. Many people depend on those and I am sure that they need to keep producing and developing for many more years.

Also, OMAP is a SoC that has TI proprietary devices used by other markets, like for example the DSP, and I am sure they are not selling those either.

I think the best deal for Amazon would be to make a partnership and design an exclusive "custom" OMAP (please rename) for their needs and don't sell/that/ to B&N.